Austria 1-0 Scotland
UEFA Women's Nations League - League A - Group 1
Josko Arena, Ried im Innkreis, Austria
Friday, 21 February 2025

Scorers

Austria: Purtscheller (14).

Team News

There's been a fresh feel to the camp this week, with Interim Head Coach Michael McArdle naming 10 different faces from the squad that travelled to Helsinki in December.

Caroline Weir was again handed the captain's armband in the absence of regular skipper Rachel Corsie, who is still working her way back from injury.

McArdle handed a Scotland debut to right-back Emma Lawton, who has been in fine form for Celtic this season.

Glasgow City's Amy Muir was also rewarded for her progress with a first competitive start.

As It Happened

Scotland were back in League A action after an unbeaten Nations League campaign last time around.

The step up in quality was apparent, with a frantic start to the game that saw both sides press with real intensity to try and assert themselves early on.

Kirsty Hanson had an early sight of goal, after seven minutes, but she was crowded out after cutting in from the left and couldn't quite get her shot away.

Hanson threatened again within a minute, having broken free of the defence, but Austrian goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger was equal to her effort with a determined block.

It proved an important save as Austria seized the initiative at the other end.

Scotland just couldn't clear their lines in a crowded box and Lilli Purtscheller reacted quickly to thump home.

There was a second blow in quick succession, with influential centre-back Sophie Howard forced off with a swelling on her head. She was replaced by Leah Eddie.

Scotland rallied and were unfortunate not to level on the half-hour mark, thanks to some inspired goalkeeping from Zinsberger.

The home shot-stopper produced two quickfire reflex saves to deny Lawton and Hanson from point-blank range.

Scotland kicked off the second half on the front foot, intent on turning the tide.

Claire Emslie's shot from 20 yards was comfortably saved but it was a statement of intent.

McArdle shuffled the pack on 57 minutes, with Emslie and Martha Thomas withdrawn for Lauren Davidson and debutant Freya Gregory, as Scotland pressed for a leveller.

Eilidh Adams was also introduced for her full Scotland debut - taking the place of Chelsea Cornet.

There was a narrow escape, with nine minutes remaining, when a last-ditch tackle from Sam Kerr looked to prevent a certain second goal for the hosts.

Weir did her best to spark a revival, with a shot from the edge of the box and a free-kick from deep that was punched clear, but the Austrians were resilient. 

Hanson drilled in one final effort on goal, but Zinsberger was equal to it.

Teams

Austria: Zinsberger, D'Angelo, Wenger, Kirchberger, Hanshaw, Zadrazil (Feiersinger 56), Schasching, Hobinger (Brunold 77), Puntigam, Hickelsberger (Pinther 76), Purtscheller. Unused substitutes: Kresche, El Sherif, Croatto, Schiechtl, Brunnthaler, Georgieva, Wienroither, Billa, Rukavina.

Scotland: Gibson, Lawton, Howard (Eddie 21), Clark, Muir, Kerr, Cornet (Adams 79), Weir, Hanson, Thomas (Gregory 57), Emslie (Davidson 56). Unused substitutes: Clachers, Cumings, Watson, McLauchlan, Maclean, Smith, Shore, McAulay.

See You At Hampden

We'd love to see you at Hampden Park on Tuesday night as Scotland host The Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.

It's a 7.30pm kick-off at The National Stadium and tickets are on sale now.

Remember, kids go free!